The California Association of Realtors (CAR) has released its 2013 Investor Survey, which highlights the prominent role of investors in steering California's housing recovery over the past four years, many of which (27%) were foreign investors from countries like China, India and Mexico.

"Low mortgage rates, attractive home prices, and low yields on alternative assets have fueled demand for investment properties, particularly where distressed homes have dominated sales," according to the company.

A Monday report by Bloomberg said that IKEA has received the go-ahead from the Indian government to open outlets in the country, making it perhaps the first major foreign retailer to set up its own stores in the region.

USG Corp. has announced it will invest $60 million in a strategic partnership with the Zawawi Group of Oman to meet the growing demand for its wallboard products in the Middle East and India. The money will be invested over two years, with the majority in 2012.

Rajendra will be responsible for A. O. Smith’s water heater operations in North America, China, Europe and India, as well as the company’s water purification business in China. The $1.5 billion business has 17 manufacturing plants around the world and employs approximately 10,000 people.